Karen M. Speck

BARBERTON---Karen Speck (nee Conrad), 58, passed away September 17th after a 10 year battle with breast cancer. She was a life long resident of Barberton and surrounded by family and friends in life and in death. She displayed remarkable courage and perseverance during her illness. "I fought the good fight and ran the good race..." She was a teacher, mentor and loved by all who met her. Karen taught 5 years of second grade PSR classes at SS Cyril and Methodius Church in Barberton. Her love for children was passed on to 5 nieces and 2 nephews who she showered with attention, encouragement, and direction throughout their lives. Karen worked as a legal secretary, the last 20 years for Barberton attorney, Robert L. Benedict. She also volunteered her time with several organizations, including the Barberton All Sport Booster and the American Cancer Society. She enjoyed reading, gardening, spending time with those close to her, and traveling to the countryside to enjoy nature's beauty. Her favorite destinations were to the north and south East Coast and the mountains of Western Pennsylvania. Karen loved watching high school and college football and basketball and was a huge Cleveland Indians and Akron Aeros fan. Karen was preceeded in death by her father and mother, Paul C. Conrad and Mary Conrad (Ulichney) of Barberton, and brothers Ronald Conrad and Charles P. Conrad. She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald J. Speck of Barberton; brothers, Paul (Bonnie) Conrad of Gastonia, North Carolina and Gary Conrad of Barberton, Sister-in-law, Lynn (Robert) Forsythe of Medina; nieces and nephews, Joanna (Ernest) Richmond of Brunswick, Jennifer (John) Phelan of North Ridgeville, Shannon (David) Conrad-Wokojance of Columbus, Jacob Conrad, Nichole Conrad, Emily Conrad, and Alexander Sapp of Barberton; great nephews and nieces, Cameron and Paige Richmond and Chloe and Cooper Phelan and great niece Zoey Durant on the way. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 22, 2012, 10 A.M. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 204-6th St. NW, Barberton. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Calling Hours Friday, 4 to 8 P.M. at the SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton, where prayers will be said Saturday morning at 9:30 A.M. Memorials donations in Karen's name can be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, Immaculate Conception Church, 2128 16th St. SW, Akron, OH 44314 or the Humane Society of Greater Akron 4904 Quick Road, Peninsula, OH 44264.